Square Enix has released a second episode of their inside look at the making of Lighting Returns, the final chapter of the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy.

This time around, we get to hear more about the team’s thoughts on the visual stylings of Lightning—and her many new customizable outfits—by famed SE artist Tetsuya Nomura. From there, we’re taken deeper into the design of the game’s world, and how it grew from a single island into a chain of unique geographical regions.

I know opinions on Lightning Returns have been a bit mixed following the game’s Japanese launch, but I’m still really looking forward to playing it. What the team has put together is something that feels familiar yet different—a direction that’s got me intrigued—and what I’ve played of its combat was a lot of fun.

Eric L. Patterson got started via self-publishing game-related fanzines in junior high, and now has one goal in life: making sure EGM has as much coverage of niche Japanese games as can realistically be crammed in. Eric’s also active in the gaming community on a personal level, being an outspoken voice on topics such as equality in gaming and consumer rights. Stalk Eric on Twitter: @Eric_EGM. Meet the rest of the crew.